Bernat Rosner

Bernat “Bernie” Rosner passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on February 27, 2026. Born in Hungary, Bernie was a holocaust survivor who through extraordinary courage, rebuilt his life to become a respected legal scholar and a voice for understanding and reconciliation. Orphaned as a teenager, after surviving Auschwitz and Mauthausen, Bernie emerged from the war alone and stateless. In what he considered a miracle, he met Charles Merrill Jr., an American soldier, who sponsored him as a refugee to the United States - an act that changed the course of his life! Charles Merrill Jr. was the son of Charles E. Merrill, cofounder of Merrill Lynch. Marking an extraordinary journey from orphaned refugee to American success story.

Bernie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Cornell University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Between college and law school, he enlisted in the US Army for two years. In his career he practiced corporate law and retired as Vice-President and Lead General Counsel for Safeway corporation.

In his retirement, Bernie loved to play tennis, enjoyed hiking the Sierras and traveling the world with his wife, Janice. Bernie‘s favorite country to visit was by far Italy. He also co-wrote a book with his friends Fritz and Sally Tubach titled “An Uncommon Friendship” detailing their lives from opposite sides of the Holocaust to forging a friendship decades later in California.

Bernie is preceded in death by his parents Louis and Bertha Rosner, his brother Alexander, his first wife, Betsy Rosner (mother of his three sons) and Charles Merrill Jr.. He is survived by his wife, Janice Rosner, his sons Michael (Elizabeth), Andrew (Karen) and Owen (Maureen) Rosner.

Jan‘s children; Scott (Brenda), Michael (Jennifer) and Patrick (Renee) Evans and Amy (Steve) Nance. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy!

Bernie‘s life remains a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the enduring power of kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tennessee Children’s Home in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

A celebration of life is scheduled for: April 19th at 4pm ( Buffet Dinner included) The Grove Country Club 6200 Wildings Blvd. College Grove, TN

**Please reach out to a family member if you plan to attend.

You may share condolences with the family at the Heritage Funeral Home website: www.TnFunerals.com.